Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1944-07-01

FORD

Weather: Cloudy – Moderate visibility.
17.45. Eight pilots carried out local formation flying over Base, landing 18.45 hrs.
No other flying was carried out today.

1944-07-02

FORD

Weather: Cloudy – Rain all day.
No flying was carried out today.

1944-07-03

FORD

Weather: Fine and Fair. Visibility good.
19.20. Twelve pilots of 306 Squadron took off from base, eight as bombers and four as escort, to bomb target 4801E/B/2725 – 84G/63. Target was bombed most successfully, and railway at this point was cut with four direct hits, other near misses were well concentrated. Pilots also carried out Armed Recce in the area:- LISIEUX / EVREUX / and LAIGLE. Visibility over the target area was good but there were patches of cloud at 6,000ft. From the mouth of the SEINE to EVREUX – 10/10ths cloud at 3,000ft. Pilots landed back at Base by 21.35 hrs.
P.782825 W/O Pilot Loska, E returned from SSQ. Where he was admitted on 30/6/44.

1944-07-04

FORD

Weather: Fair. Visibility Good.
09.35. Eleven pilots and aircraft of 306 Squadron – 8 aircraft fitted with 2 x 500lb bombs, and others as escort took off from base with 129 and 315 Squadrons to bomb the railway line at LAIGLE / ST. CAUBURGE / ST. COLEMBE. Operation proceeded as planned, and hits were seen on a railway station at U.2138. The formation also carried out armed recco. on roads in the area of:- LISIEUX / EVREUX / DEVEUX. Pilots returned to base at 11.15 hrs.
20.15. 10 pilots from the Squadron, and W/Cdr Skalski, who was flying one of the Squadrons aircraft took off from base to carry out a fighter sweep in the area of EVREUX. The Operation was carried out as planned, and was more or less without incident – 84G/70. Flak was sent up from the S. ROUEN, EVREUX, and also from DREUX. Weather over French Coast and up to EVREUS – clouds 10/10ths between 4,000 and 10,000ft. Pilots landed at base at 22.00 hrs.
W/Cdr Zumbach, the Wing Leader – 133 Wing, carried out two local flying sorties in one of the Squadron aircraft in the afternoon.

1944-07-05

FORD

Weather: Fine. Visibility good.
11.20. 12 aircraft and pilots of this Squadron, with 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from base for Operation 84G/72. This was Armed Recco in the area of EVREUX. Of the Squadron aircraft, 8 were fitted with bombs and the others as escort. Bombs were dropped on to a railway junction and on about 40 goods waggons – without engine, standing at a point N.W. CONCHES. Six hits were seen on the railway embankment there, and at Least three hits amongst these trucks. Weather over France:- French Coast 10/10ths cloud at 2,500/3,000ft: Inland and further South – 8 to 10/10ths cloud breaking. Visibility generally, 8 to 10 miles. Pilots returned to base by 13.20 hrs.
P.792449 F/Sgt POMIETLARZ, J admitted to SSQ. 133 Wing Headquarters. P.784123 F/Sgt MICHALKIEWICZ, K who was reported “Missing wef: 23/6/44” reported “Safe, and admitted to R.A.F. Hospital Halton with slight injuries”.

1944-07-06

FORD

Weather: Cloudy, with moderate visibility.
08.30. 12 pilots of this Squadron, along with pilots of 129 Squadron, took off from base for Operation 84G/75. In this Operation the two Squadrons were to carry out armed recco and bomb R.1039 TILLIERES. These Squadrons dive bombed a concentration of trucks at R.1039. Five hits were seen, and other near misses, amongst the trucks. Two direct hits were also seen on the railway embankment and another hit on a bridge at a point R.101398. The station buildings at this spot received a direct hit. Weather over the target area was clear but slight ground haze. Visibility unlimited. On this Operations, eight of the Squadron aircraft were with bombs – 2 x 500lbs, and the others went along as fighter escort. Pilots landed back at base by 10.40 hrs.
13.15. 11 pilots of 306 Squadron, with pilots of 129 Squadron took off from base for Operation 84G/77 – Armed recco in the area LISIEUX / NONANT / LEFIN. Of our aircraft, 7 were fitted with bombs and the others were fighter escort. Bombs were dropped on to a railway station at Q.7342, and also on 40 large lorries on a road to the North of this railway station. 12 of the M.T. vehicles were wiped out. Four direct hits are reported by our pilots on this R/S. Meagre, light, and inaccurate AA. Fire was sent up. Pilots landed base at approx. 15.30 hrs.

1944-07-07

FORD

Weather: Fine. Visibility good.
20.30. 12 pilots of this Squadron took off from base with 129 and 315 Squadron, for Operation 84G/84 – bombing M.T. in clearing at Q.9455. On this Operation, 8 of our aircraft were fitted with bombs and the other four as escort. Bombs were dropped on bridge over the river, at Q.9285, bur missed due to strong wind at that time. Four direct hits were seen on a road due West of the bridge at Q.9455, and the remainder of the bombs were reported as near misses. A prolonged search for the target ordered – M.T. in a clearing at Q.9455 – was made, but no signs of such a target were discovered. Heavy AA. Fire against our heavy bombers, was put up in the area of LE HAVRE. Pilots landed back at base by 22.30 hrs.
P-1822 F/O JAWORSKI, C – Pilot, proceeded on posting to No. 411 R. and S.U. Sup[.]my. For test pilot duties wef: 5/7/44. Pilots also carried out three aircraft tests through the day.

1944-07-08

FORD

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent rain all day.
In the afternoon, aircraft tests were carried out by three pilots.
P.792449 F/Sgt Pilot POMIETLARZ, J was discharged from SSQ. 133 Wing Headquarters. 133 Wing Headquarters was ordered to move to A/L/G Branzeet. Advance Party proceeded by road.

1944-07-09

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy, intermittent rain all day.
21.20. Squadron pilots flew the Squadron aircraft from R.A.F. Station Ford to A/L/G Branzeet, landing at this Station 22.10 hrs. Ground crews proceeded to Branzeet by road in the Convoy.
No other flying was carried out.
P-1624 F/Lt G. Sologub – pilot proceeded on posting to No. 301 Polish Squadron wef: 9/7/44.

1944-07-10

BRANZEET

Weather: Fair. Visibility good.
Pilots carried out 14 Anti Divers Patrols under various controls. One “Diver” is claimed as destroyed by P-782513 F/Sgt Rudowski, S on his first mission against “Divers”. P.1032 F/Lt Siekierski, J was reposted within the Unit as Flight Commander of “A” Flight, WEF: 10/7/44.

1944-07-11

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy but visibility good.
05.25. Two pilots took off from base and carried out an Anti Beachcraft patrol over the beaches at DUNKIRK and DIEPPE. Patrol was without incident: pilots landed 07.45 hrs.
Anti Diver Patrols were resumed in the area of base, through the day. 26 Patrols were carried out and for the most part were without incident. One Diver is claimed as destroyed by P-1032 F/Lt Siekierski, J.

1944-07-12

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy, but visibility good.
07.30. 12 pilots from this Squadron flew to R.A.F. Station Coltishall, landing there at 08.35 hrs.
09.45. 12 pilots took off from Coltishall, and carried out practice escort to Beaufighter aircraft. After this exercise, pilots returned to base, and landed at 11.50 hrs.
In the afternoon, Anti Diver Patrols were re-continued. 12 Patrols were carried out, and pilots claim three Divers as destroyed. P.781525 F/Sgt Nowoczyn, W claims two Divers destroyed, and P- 1855 F/Lt Beyer, A claims the other Diver destroyed. Aircraft tests and local flying completed the days flying.
P-1644 F/Lt Jelinski, Z was involved in a flying bomb incident, at Heston, Middlesex. A flying bomb crashed into his house, whilst on pass, F/Lt Jelinski was injured together with his wife and child, and admitted to Hounslow Hospital. F/Lt Jelinski wife was killed, and his daughter died shortly afterwards. This news came as a great shock to all personnel in the Squadron.

1944-07-13

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy, but good visibility. Slight rain.
Throughout the day, our pilots carried out 16 Anti Divers Patrols. Patrols were without incident. P.2085 F/O Tomczyk, E reported on posting to 306 Squadron for Intelligence Duty, from 133 Wing Headquarters wef: 12/7/44.

1944-07-14

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy with moderate visibility.
Throughout the day our pilots carried out 20 Anti Divers Patrols, without incident.
The Squadron Adjutant P-1423 F/O Białskorski, J. proceeded on Temporary Duty to Headquarters of the Polish AIR Force, London.

1944-07-15

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy, slight drizzle, visibility moderate.
Pilots carried out further Anti Divers Patrols: at various times through the day, and under various controls. In all 14 patrols were undertaken. P-2485 P/O Bzowski, J claims one Divers as destroyed.

1944-07-16

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy with slight drizzle at first. Fine later in afternoon. Visibility good.
Pilots carried out 28 Anti Divers Patrols, and claim three Divers as destroyed: - One by P-2681 P/O Wacnik, K. one by P-781525 F/Sgt Nowoczyn, W, and one by P-780369 F/Sgt Zalenski, Z.

1944-07-17

BRANZEET

Weather: Foggy, with slight drizzle, becoming cloudy. Visibility moderate.
Pilots carried out 17 Anti Divers Patrols without incident. The Squadron Adjutant P-1423 F/O Białskorski, J returned from Headquarters P.A.F. London.

1944-07-18

BRANZEET

Weather: Fine to fair. Visibility moderate.
Pilots carried out 32 Anti Divers Patrols, P-1032 F/Lt Siekierski, J claims one Divers as destroyed. P-782058 F/Sgt Pilot Letki, S attended Medical Board at Kelvin House W.1.

1944-07-19

BRANZEET

Weather: Fine at first, showery after dinnertime. Visibility moderate.
Through the day, our pilots carried out 26 Anti Divers Patrols. Pilots claim four Divers destroyed as follows: - P-703045 F/Sgt Zaworski, J claims one Diver destroyed: P-782513 F/Sgt Rudowski, S claims two Divers destroyed: and the fourth Diver destroyed is claimed by F/Sgt Rudowski, S also. This pilot destroyed the first two Divers on the same sortie.

1944-07-20

BRANZEET

Weather: Fair, but showery in the morning, turning to fine in the afternoon. Good Visibility.
Pilots carried out 32 Anti Divers Patrols through the day without incident.
Information was received in the Unit that P-1856 F/Lt Potocki, W had been awarded the D.F.C. – an immediate for gallantry displayed on flying Operations against the enemy. The aircraft piloted by P-2440 P/O Kawnik, Z was hit by flak from our own AA. Guns when chasing a Diver, - aircraft became Cat. A/C. Time of this incident was approx. 08.00 hrs.

1944-07-21

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy. Intermittent rain all day.
Pilots carried out two Anti Divers Patrols, in the morning. The patrols were without incident. No other flying was carried out as the weather was too bad.

1944-07-22

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy – slight rain. Visibility poor.
16 Anti Divers Patrols were undertaken by our pilots through the day. Pilots claimed a total of nine Divers destroyed: - P-1032 F/Lt Siekierski, J. claims three Divers destroyed: P-2440 P/O Kawnik, Z – two destroyed: P-1899 F/O Tronczynski, S – one destroyed: P-782513 F/Sgt Rudowski, S – one destroyed: P-1753 F/O Gierycz, J – two destroyed. This was the Squadrons best day for bagging “Divers”.
P-2440 P/O Kawnik, Z got too near one of the DIVERS, when attacking. This machine exploded & and the aircraft piloted by P/O Kawnik was hit with bits of the flying bomb – a/c Cat A/C.
P-792449 F/Sgt Pilot Pomietlarz, J awarded Permanent War Rank of Warrant Officer wef: 1/5/44.
Other flying through the day consisted of local flying by three pilots, with one guns test.

1944-07-23

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy with slight rain. Visibility good however.
Through the day our pilots carried out 31 Anti Divers Patrols, and claim four Divers as destroyed:- P-1899 F/O Tronczynski, S – two Divers: P-1817 F/Lt Marschall, K – one Diver: and P-2677 P/O Migos, F – one Diver.

1944-07-24

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy with slight rain. Visibility moderate.
Pilots carried out 22 Anti Divers Patrols, and claim 1 ½ Divers destroyed:- P-1855 F/Lt Beyer, A claims one Diver destroyed. P-2440 P/O Kawnik, Z claims ½ Diver destroyed
Other pilots carried out local flying and two aircraft tests through the day.
News was received that an old member of this Squadron P-782453 W/O Pilot Machowiak, M had been killed in a cross country Auster flight. This news same as at great shock to all members of the Squadrons ground and flying crews alike. W/O Machowiak had spent quite a lot of his service with this Squadron, his loss will be felt by us all that knew him.

1944-07-25

BRANZEET

Weather: Fair to Cloudy. Visibility poor at first becoming moderate.
Throughout the day, pilots carried out 22 Anti Divers Patrols, without incident. Other flying carried out consisted of three Auster sorties, and one aircraft test in the afternoon. P-0446 F/Lt Sporny, K proceeded on posting to P.A.F. Depot Blackpool sup[.]my. pending posting wef: 10/7/44.

1944-07-26

BRANZEET

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Visibility good.
Pilots carried out 28 Anti Divers Patrols through the day, and a total of five Divers destroyed is claimed by them. P-1855 F/Lt Beyer, A claims ½: P-780369 F/Sgt Zalenski, J claims 3: P-76748 S/Ldr Niemiec, P claims ½ : and P-781423 F/Sgt Czezowski, J claims 1:

1944-07-27

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy and Showery. Visibility Moderate.
Throughout the day, our pilots made 15 Anti Divers Patrols, and claims 3 ½ + 1/3 Divers destroyed. P-782513 F/Sgt Pilot Rudowski, S claims 1 ½ of these Divers destroyed: P-792449 W/O Pomietlarz, J – 1: P-2476 P/O Smigielski, J – 1 1/3: Other flying carried out in the afternoon consisted of two short aircraft tests only.

1944-07-28

BRANZEET

Weather: Cloudy. Visibility Good.
Our pilots continued their Patrols against Divers: throughout the day they carried out 27 of these patrols. Two of the pilots had successes and claim two Divers as Destroyed: - The first one was destroyed by P-2476 P/O Smigielski, J and the other by P-78-369 F/Sgt Zalenski, J. P-1899 F/O S. Tronczynski – pilot was admitted to 133 Wing Headquarters Sick Quarters. In the afternoon three aircraft tests were also carried out.

1944-07-29

BRANZEET

Weather: Showery. Visibility Good.
Pilots carried out 26 Anti Divers Patrols through the day. P-780369 F/Sgt Zalenski, J claims one Diver as destroyed.
P-2684 P/O Zygmund, E took off from base 10.35 hrs to carry out an Anti Diver Patrol over the sea from Hastings with P-1817 F/Lt Marshall, E as No. 2. When this patrol approached Hastings on return from patrol, they were fired on by our A.A. Guns, when at a point six miles from Hastings. The aircraft piloted by P-2684 P/O Zygmund, E was hit by flak and the pilot was killed when the aircraft hit the sea, and later burst into flames. A Court of Inquiry into this accident was held at R.A.F. Station Hawkinge.

1944-07-30

BRANZEET

Weather: Fair and Fine. Visibility Good.
Pilots continued their Anti Divers Patrols, completing 32 throughout the day.
P-781423 F/Sgt Pilot Czezowski, J and P-780369 F/Sgt Pilot Zalenski, J attacked and shot down one Diver. They make a claim of ½ Diver destroyed each.
Information was received in the Unit that the following pilots were awarded the P.W.R. of F/Lt wef: the dates stated. P-1855 F/O Beyer, A – 1/5/44: P-1856 F/O Potocki, W /A/F/Lt – 1/4/44: P-1817 F/O Marschall, K – 1/5/44:

1944-07-31

BRANZEET

Weather: Fair and Fine. Visibility Good.
Pilots carried out 18 Anti Divers Patrols throughout the day. P-782513 F/Sgt Rudowski, S had some luck on meeting a Diver, which he shot down and claims as destroyed.
P-76695 F/Lt GORZULA, M and P-0387 F/Lt KLAWE, W reported on posting from 84 Group Support Unit for flying duties wef: 31/7/44.

[Illegible[
Squadron Leader, Commanding.
No. 306 Polish Squadron,
ROYAL AIR FORCE.